Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben White have both been left out of the England squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers, but Ivan Toney has been recalled.
The Three Lions begin their quest to qualify for next year’s tournament in Group C later this month, taking on Italy on March 23 and Ukraine three days later.
Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold was on the plane to the World Cup due to Reece James’ injury, but he has now been dropped amid another season of harsh criticism.
Ivan Toney ✅ Trent Alexander-Arnold ❌
BREAKING: Gareth Southgate names his first squad of 2023, as England prepare for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine 🏴 pic.twitter.com/0TsuT6QoGh
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 16, 2023
Conversely, Arsenal’s White, who has been a consistent performer for the Gunners this season, withdrew from the World Cup due to personal issues, but has played a key role in the Gunners’ climb to the top of the Premier League standings.
Nonetheless, Southgate has snubbed White for selection once again, with Chelsea duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell representing four returning players following injury recoveries.
Further forward, Brentford talisman Toney, who was overlooked for a World Cup call-up, replaces Callum Wilson, while Raheem Sterling is ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Toney’s inclusion comes despite the striker’s admission that he breached FA betting rules, having been struck with as many as 262 accusations, but Southgate has insisted that Toney should be given his chance.
Elsewhere, James Maddison retains his place in the squad, while Kalvin Phillips has earned Southgate’s trust despite his lack of action for Manchester City in the 2022-23 season.
As expected, Harry Maguire is selected ahead of AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, despite his part-time role for Manchester United this season, while Tyrone Mings is also absent.
See Also: Karim Benzema Dismisses Injury Fears Ahead Of El Clasico
ENGLAND SQUAD IN FULL:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Maddison (Leicester City), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham United)
Forwards: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford)
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